8 Design Features of Jacobean Furniture
To help recognize Jacobean Furniture Design these are the eight basic characteristics:
- Jacobean and Cromwellian (the first two parts of the larger Jacobean Period) furniture has straight lines.
- The earlier furniture of the period was heavy and cumbersome.
- The construction was framed. The basic design was a frame with panels to complete the piece.
- Turning the legs and stretchers developed near the end of the period, reducing the rigid appearance.
- Late in the period ornaments were applied although they did little to enhance the visual appeal.
- The early feet on Jacobean pieces were straight and square. Late in the period the ball foot was introduced.
- Crude “scratch carving” was used very late in the period as were painted decorations.
- Very little upholstery. Most seats were wood or rush.